re: Do you ever layup/hit into the rough intentionally for a softer lie?

I see you replied to me and think I was the second to mention bounce...by a min.
Around Houston and we have the same problem with either very tight lies and/or hard pan even from fairways once summer drys everything out. Switching from a 56/11 to a 56/8 makes a huge difference in making good contact on pitch shots for me. Something I thought worth sharing that could be helpful.

BTW, You come across as the insufferable one and your problem is definitely user error. Have fun playing out of the rough!